In The Community
Mountain climbing: Cholitas conquering heights
Photo by cholitasescaladoras on Instagram
Cecilia Llusco, an Aymara woman, is one of many Cholitas leading the charge against societal conventions. Raised in Bolivia’s mountains, Llusco’s connection with them runs deep. From her early years assisting her father, a high mountain guide, to going on her own climbing journeys, she’s known for her resilience and determination. She has become a high mountain guide, following in her father’s footsteps while still making the road her own.
The Cholita Climbers
Photo by cholitasescaladoras on Instagram
“The Cholita Climbers,” as they're known, refuse to be bound by traditional gender roles. Scaling Huayna Potosí and setting their sights on Everest, they're not just climbing mountains; they're shattering stereotypes. Lidia Huayllas, the group's elder stateswoman and deputy mayor, is leading by example, inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams despite the odds. The journey of The Cholita Climbers is not just defined by an impressive list of physical feats, but also by a deep sense of cultural pride.
Skateboarding: Cholitas redefining spaces
Photo by imillaskate on Instagram
In the streets of Cochabamba, the Imilla Skate collective stands out for all the right reasons. Led by Dani Santiváñez, this group of bold young women is rewriting the script of skateboarding. With their vibrant, traditional clothes, they challenge conventional ideas of femininity and athleticism, presenting a much more interesting and empowering alternative.
The Imilla Skate collective
Photo by imillaskate on Instagram
The Imilla Skate collective has transformed neglected spaces, making them vibrant and exciting again. They’re not just skaters, they’ve reclaimed their right to public spaces and fostered strong community bonds. Their influence even goes beyond the streets of Cochabamba, rippling across the nation. Their message is clear: women belong in skate parks, and their presence is non-negotiable. By taking this stance, they're helping amplify indigenous voices and reshape perceptions of what it means to be a skateboarder.
Self-defense: Cholitas against gender-based violence
Photo by warmipowerbo on Instagram
Faced with the issue of gender-based violence, Bolivian Cholitas are refusing to stay silent any longer. Lidia Mayta, a woman who was violently attacked by would-be robbers at her front door, has turned to martial arts as a tool for empowerment. Not only of herself but of other women in the community who are tired of being victimized and afraid.
In Bolivia, over 53% of women experience physical or sexual violence. Despite the high prevalence of gender-based violence, prevention services often lack knowledge about disabilities, limiting access to information and care, and leaving women to fend for themselves. Shockingly, only 1% of gender-based violence cases are prosecuted and convicted.
Warmi Power taekwondo studio
Photo by warmipowerbo on Instagram
In this context, taekwondo studios like Warmi Power offer a sanctuary for women to learn self-defense techniques and reclaim their sense of agency. Beyond physical training, these spaces serve as platforms for solidarity and collective action against gender-based violence. Mayta found this space to learn taekwondo and she’s now one of their main facilitators, dedicated to introducing women to the transformative power of martial arts.
Self-defense techniques
Photo by warmipowerbo on Instagram
By teaching women with the skills to defend themselves, organizations like Warmi Power are challenging the culture of impunity and fostering a culture of accountability. Their message is clear: violence against women will not be tolerated, and every woman has the right to feel safe in her community.
Bolivian Cholitas are leading a new chapter in their history
Photo by cholitasescaladoras on Instagram
The stories of Bolivian Cholitas scaling mountains, mastering skateboards, and learning self-defense are not just individual victories; they’re part of a larger change that will ripple for generations to come. Through their actions, these women are rewriting the script of gender norms and reclaiming their rightful place in society. As they continue to challenge stereotypes, they inspire communities in Bolivia and around the world to rise and take up space. Bolivian Cholitas are shaping history, one challenge at a time.
- Las Patronas de La Bestia: A Brief History ›
- The Story Behind Imilla Skate: Bolivia’s ‘Cholita’ Skater Girls ›
- Cholita Mountain Climbers Defy What Climbing Looks Like ›
What is Machismo?
Photo by Paul Lowry on Flickr
“Machismo” is a term that comes from the Spanish word “macho,” meaning “male.” In the Latino community, machismo refers to the attitudes and values that perpetuate traditional gender roles, emphasizing dominance over women. While progress has been made in challenging machismo, some people still hold onto “machista” attitudes, whether they’re aware of it or not.
If you’re in a relationship, identifying signs of machismo and addressing them is essential to make sure you have equitable dynamics. Here are 10 signs of machismo to watch out for and strategies for talking about them with your partner:
He dominates conversations
Machista men tend to dominate conversations with women, often talking over them, interrupting them in the middle of sentences, or dismissing their opinions entirely. You can address this by pointing out this behavior to your partner and expressing a need for more active listening. It’s also important to correct the behavior in the moment. If you’re interrupted, talked over, or dismissed, it’s okay to stop the conversation to address that and let him know it’s not okay. Conversations are two-way streets!
He reinforces traditional gender roles
Machismo is all about reinforcing what they consider to be traditional gender roles, so it’s important to understand what your partner’s views are. If they believe women should always take care of the house and that should be their priority, that’s a red flag. You can address this by having a conversation about gender roles and your views on them, emphasizing shared responsibilities and mutual respect. If you find that your values don’t align and he’s inflexible, it’s a good idea to reconsider the future of the relationship.
He is controlling
Controlling behavior is a tell-tale sign of a machista man, and it’s very important to identify it as early as possible. If your partner wants to have a say in what you wear, limit your interactions with other men or women they find threatening, and monitor everything you do, you have to point it out. Remind them you’re your own person and you need independence within the relationship. If they take offense to that or try to manipulate you into accepting it, consider that the relationship is not right for you.
He dismisses women’s issues
Women’s issues are more prevalent than ever and being able to discuss them with your partner is very important. Moreover, having your partner in your corner is essential to a healthy relationship. You can disagree on many things, such as whether pineapple goes on pizza or not, but if you disagree on core issues like gender equality and women’s rights, that doesn’t usually make for a healthy, supportive relationship.
He’s emotionally blocked
One of the core traits of machismo is emotional restraint. Traditional masculinity discourages men from being vulnerable or expressing emotions that are considered soft, like sadness. As a result, machista men don’t show much emotion or bottle everything up until they explode. You can address this by letting your partner know that he can share his feelings without judgment. When he does, it’s important to listen and validate his emotions. However, if he’s not willing to do the work, you have to ask yourself if you can continue in a relationship with someone who’s emotionally stunted.
He’s full of double standards
Machista attitudes often lead to holding double standards. If your partner often thinks it’s okay for him to do certain things, but it’s not okay if you do the same, you need to have a conversation about it ASAP. Point out double standards when they arise and explain how they make the relationship unequal and unfair. However, if he maintains this hypocritical attitude, it’s likely you’ll never see eye to eye.
He objectifies women
Photo by Maru Lombardo on UnsplashMachista men tend to reduce women to the way they look or how much sexual appeal they have. Men who objectify women simply don’t respect them, so if you see this kind of attitude in your partner, it could be helpful to talk about it. It’s important to put your foot down on this and if the behavior continues, we encourage you to think hard about whether this is the kind of man you want to build a life with.
He is resistant to change
When machista beliefs are challenged, men are often resistant to change. They think that letting go of the machismo threatens their masculinity and they fail to see the benefits because it’s so ingrained in them. You can help your partner try to move past this by discussing the benefits not just for himself, but also for the relationship you share. Being supportive is essential, but don’t allow yourself to be strung along if you don’t see any real effort being made on his end.
He has a disregard for consent
Photo by SHAKEEL AHAMMED on UnsplashMachista men tend to feel entitled about a lot of things when it comes to women, including physical intimacy. At the start of any relationship, it’s essential for everyone involved to establish clear boundaries and expectations about sex. However, if he disregards those boundaries once, that’s one time too many. You shouldn’t have to teach anyone to respect your limits. They either do or they don’t, and if they don’t, you’re better off without them.
He doesn’t like sharing responsibilities
Last but not least, men who live by machismo have a hard time sharing responsibilities. Especially as they relate to things they don’t consider masculine, like taking care of the house. Ideally, you should know where your partner stands on this before you even consider living together. But if you already live together and the burden falls primarily on you, it’s important to have a conversation and share responsibilities equally. Otherwise, everyday friction will build up and the relationship won’t stay healthy.
Recognizing signs of machismo in your partner is essential for fostering a relationship based on equality, mutual respect, and understanding. Strive to work together on this, but he’s not up for it, consider if that’s the kind of partner you deserve.
- Are You Normalizing Machismo in Your Everyday Life? ›
- Spotting Machismo: A Quick Self-Reflection Guide ›
- Machismo and Marianismo: What's the Difference? ›
- Mi Mamá Es Machista, Now What? ›
